India faced Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium, reigniting a historic rivalry. Political tensions have prevented bilateral series for over a decade, making these encounters highly anticipated. Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni joined Bollywood actor Sunny Deol to watch this thrilling match, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the clash. The game began erratically for India, with pacer Mohammed Shami struggling, notably bowling five wides in the opening over, the longest ever by an Indian in the tournament. Despite his difficulties, Shami returned after treatment, adding to the match’s intensity for fans.
MS Dhoni and Sunny Deol enjoying the India vs Pakistan match© JioHotstar
India is set to face off against long-time rivals Pakistan in their Champions Trophy 2025, Group A match on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Over the years, encounters between India and Pakistan have provided countless unforgettable moments for fans. Due to ongoing political tensions, these two teams have not participated in a bilateral series for over a decade, only meeting during international tournaments. Whenever India competes against Pakistan, fans worldwide tune in to their screens for the thrilling action.
The excitement of the Indo-Pak clash also captured former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who celebrated his Sunday by watching the eagerly awaited Champions Trophy match.
Interestingly, Dhoni was joined by renowned Bollywood actor Sunny Deol. In a video shared on Instagram by Star Sports India, the two were seen discussing the game while sitting amongst some fans.
The match between the fierce rivals India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy had a shaky start for the Rohit Sharma-led team, with pacer Mohammed Shami delivering five wides in his opening over.
It took Shami 11 deliveries to complete his six-ball over, surpassing Jasprit Bumrah’s nine-ball over to register the longest over bowled by an Indian in the Champions Trophy.
Coincidentally, Bumrah’s nine-ball over also occurred against Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval, which India lost by 180 runs, missing out on their second tournament title.
Shami’s five wides were the most by any bowler in the opening over of a Champions Trophy match. However, Tinashe Panyangara of Zimbabwe holds the record for bowling the most wides (seven) in a single over during the tournament.
The Indian pacer was not in peak form and required attention from the team physio during his third over, briefly leaving the field before returning later.
(With IANS Inputs)
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